When it comes time to redesign your website, a lot of major decisions need to be made. One of those decisions is whether to use stock photography or custom photography. There are benefits to both approaches, and your decision depends on a number of factors. To help make that choice simpler, we have compiled a list of benefits to each.
Stock is Typically More Affordable
Stock photography is often more affordable than custom photography. This is because the photo is already created and available for use by an infinite number of people. On the other hand, custom photography is created for a single client, meaning it can only be sold once. If you find that your budget is lower, stock photography will give you the biggest bang for your buck. If your budget is a bit higher, there are a few advantages to opting for custom.
Stock Photography is Accessible
In addition to being affordable, stock photography is also easily accessible. If you need quick access to a photo for your website or other marketing materials, all you have to do is visit a popular stock photography website (e.g. iStock or Shutterstock), set up an account, and download your image. There are myriad stock photography websites with a wide range of photo and pricing options. So if you have limited time, stock may be the way to go.
Custom Photography Allows for More Flexibility
Although budget and accessibility are major deciding factors between custom and stock photography, there are other important factors to keep in mind, such as flexibility. When working with stock photos, you have a limited library to choose from. If you are looking for a young girl and her mother baking together, you may have a plethora of options. However, if you are looking for something more specific, like an image that depicts your products or services in action, stock photography won’t get the job done. Custom photography allows you to photograph exactly what you want to see, whether it be a service, emotional moment, or your products.
Custom Photography is Original
The biggest benefit with custom photography is that it provides viewers with unique content. You run the risk of having the same images on your website as other companies, or worse, your competitors, when using stock photos. With custom photography, your brand is represented with precision, accuracy, and originality. If your company’s culture is a chief selling point, you can even add the extra personal touch of sharing photos of your employees or corporate events. Original photos are the best way to capture and communicate your brand’s voice.
If you need assistance choosing stock photography for your website, Informatics can help. If custom photography is what you are looking for, Informatics’ in-studio and on-site photography services are the way to go. Contact us for more information.
